DETECTIVES hunting two men who raped a woman in Essex have released an image of one of the attackers.

The 24-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in a wooded area near to a nature reserve in Chelmsford’s Central Park at about 11pm last Friday.

She had been walking along a footpath by a cycle track when she was accosted by two men. They were disturbed only through the noise that a group of young women were making as they walked along the cycle track. Officers believe they had been enjoying a night out in the town centre.

Investigating officer, Detective Inspector Barry Wix, said: “This was a serious attack on a defenceless young woman. I would urge anyone who can help identify these two men from the descriptions provided to contact us.

Furthermore, I would also like to hear from those women who were walking along the cycle path.”

Both assailants are described as white, in their mid-late 20s, approximately 5ft 8ins tall. One had short dark hair, the other slightly longer dark hair. Both were of medium build and were wearing jeans and white trainers.

One man, pictured in an e-fit, was wearing a black T-shirt and was sporting distinctive chunky diamond earrings in both ears while his accomplice was wearing a white, checked shirt.

The victim, who lives in Chelmsford, was badly traumatised by her ordeal.

Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at Chelmsford police station on 0300 333 4444.